Timberwolves Face Trade Decisions on DiVincenzo, Williams
The Minnesota Timberwolves' roster is set for the 2026-27 season, but Donte DiVincenzo and Cody Williams are highlighted as potential trade candidates due
The Minnesota Timberwolves have finalized their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season following the acquisition of forward Jonathan Kuminga. This move completes an offseason overhaul that began with the trade for guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, a deal centered on former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid.
Minnesota now projects a starting lineup of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Jonathan Kuminga, with Ayo Dosunmu also a potential starter. The team has committed to a fast-paced style after trading away big men Naz Reid and Julius Randle, creating some frontcourt uncertainty. The Timberwolves are relying on Joan Beringer to emerge as a backup center and Trey Lyles to provide bench depth.
Donte DiVincenzo's Uncertain Future
Donte DiVincenzo was a key part of the rationale for trading Karl-Anthony Towns, with the front office valuing his three-point shooting to offset spacing lost in that deal. Last season, DiVincenzo played all 82 games, starting each, and made 244 three-pointers, the sixth-highest total in the league.
However, his role has diminished with LaMelo Ball's arrival. Ball made 272 threes last season, the second-most in the NBA, securing the starting guard spot. Furthermore, DiVincenzo's playing status is in serious doubt. The 29-year-old guard tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4 of Minnesota's first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.
Historical precedents suggest a lengthy recovery. Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles on April 27, 2025, missed the entire 2025-26 season. Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered the same injury in June 2025, also missed over a year. The source notes that "for guards who rely more on their burst, it makes sense for them to take the entire year off."
DiVincenzo is in the final year of his contract, earning $12.5 million. If he is unlikely to play this season, trading him for frontcourt help is a possibility. Yet, keeping him retains his Bird rights, making it easier to re-sign him for the 2027-28 season and demonstrating organizational commitment to his recovery.
Financial Pressure on Cody Williams
The Timberwolves acquired Cody Williams and John Konchar from the Utah Jazz in a salary-dump move involving Josh Green to create space under the second salary cap apron. Konchar was subsequently waived. The 22-year-old Williams, a former 10th overall pick, showed promise in Summer League, averaging 20.4 points and shooting 34.2 percent from three on nearly eight attempts per game.
Williams is owed $6.1 million this season, with a team option for $7.7 million in 2027-28. While not a major commitment, his salary contributes to Minnesota's precarious financial position. The team has $217.1 million in total salary commitments, operating just $4.6 million below the restrictive second apron.
| Player | 2026-27 Salary | Key Contract Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Donte DiVincenzo | $12.5 million | Final year of contract |
| Cody Williams | $6.1 million | Team option for $7.7M in 2027-28 |
If Williams fails to impress during training camp, which begins September 29, the Timberwolves could shop him to reduce luxury tax payments. The team has other wing options like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark, and Kuminga's arrival further limits Williams's potential role.
The Timberwolves' front office, having aggressively reshaped the roster, now faces delicate decisions on two players whose value is complicated by injury, fit, and the hard limits of the salary cap.
